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Turkish legislative proposals for green passport expansion

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2026-10-15 09:53 UTC → 2026-10-24 05:46 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Legislative proposals have been submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to expand eligibility for special stamped passports, known as green passports. These measures aim to alleviate visa-related logistical and economic challenges faced by various professional groups. Initial proposals introduced by YENİ Party MPs sought to grant visa-free travel privileges to airline pilots with at least five years of active service, as well as engineers and architects with 10 years of seniority who are members of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB). These applicants must not be under investigation under the Anti-Terror Law. Subsequent proposals expanded the scope of eligible professionals. This includes village and neighborhood mukhtars, sworn financial advisors registered with TÜRMOB, and freelance accountants with at least 15 years of seniority. The expanded list also includes freelance doctors, pharmacists, engineers, and architects with 15 years of professional experience and membership in their respective unions. Most recently, Yeni Party Gaziantep Deputy Melih Meriç introduced a proposal to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) specifically targeting six professional groups. This latest iteration aims to assist professionals in participating in international training, seminars, and congresses. The bill, which is currently undergoing the parliamentary commission process, emphasizes that current visa rejections hinder professional knowledge sharing in critical sectors such as medicine, construction, pharmacology, and finance. The proposal is currently being reviewed by the Interior Affairs Commission. During this process, Tahir Gülebak, a representative for Anadolu Journalists, has called for journalists to be included in the amendments. Gülebak argued that journalists frequently face visa delays and difficulties during international assignments, which hinders their ability to report information quickly and accurately. In response to these calls, Yeni Party MP Mahmut Tanal submitted a bill specifically targeting the media sector.

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